ArtPrize Hub HQ open before contest begins

GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. - As the city prepares for ArtPrize Eight, the Hub HQ opened it's doors to the public a week early. Visitors can get help registering to vote for the contest, see last year's winners for the juried and public vote, and buy ArtPrize merchandise.

Other featured venues also opened early so badge holders could get a preview of some of the art.

This year, ArtPrize will have hubs in each neighborhood, so visitors can get information without having to go to the Hub HQ.

There will be information for how you can navigate ArtPrize at each of the 7 locations. You can register to vote, get a map, and event guide there as well. The first 20,000 people at the hubs will also get a commemorative tote.

Volunteers at the hubs have been trained to answer specific questions and to be able to provide advice for each neighborhood.

As part of ArtPrize, visitors can participate in an incentive program. If you get an event map and visit five neighborhoods and get your map stamped at the hubs, you can bring the map to Hub HQ and be entered into a raffle. if you go to all eight neighborhoods featured in ArtPrize, you are invited to the afterparty of the ArtPrize Awards and can be entered to win a VIP package.

The voting age for ArtPrize 8 has been lowered to 13. You can register to vote at any of the ArtPrize hubs or on the ArtPrize app.